Early Childcare Courses and Careers in Australia

Australia’s demand for early childhood educators is on the rise, with the government projecting a significant 11.7% employment growth in this sector by 2033. This increase is fuelled by government childcare subsidies, helping parents re-enter the workforce and boosting job opportunities for skilled educators.

Whether you’re uncertain about the right qualification, the best institution, or visa requirements, IDP is here to guide you with expert knowledge and support. If you're passionate about working with children, connect with us to discover your ideal course in early childhood education in Australia.

• One of Australia’s fastest-growing industries: Education and Training ranks 4th in projected industry growth according to Jobs and Skills Australia.

• More jobs in the next decade: The Education and Training industry is expected to grow by 150,100 new jobs by 2034–a 12.4% increase in employment.

• Wage increases are on the way: The Australian Government is funding a 15% wage increase for early childhood education and care (ECEC) workers through a worker retention payment scheme.

• Commitment to worker retention: Providers must apply to access these payments and are required to pass them on directly to eligible staff. This ensures that the wage increase reaches the workforce, strengthening your earning potential.

Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia, Department of Education

Article Guide

In this article, you’ll read about:

• What is an Early Childhood Course?

• Top Early Childhood Education Programs in Australia

  • Postgraduate Courses:

    • Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education

    • Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education

  • Undergraduate Courses:

    • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

    • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Leadership

    • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours)

  • TAFE Certificates and Diplomas 

    • Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

    • Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

• Entry Requirements for Early Childhood Courses in Australia

• Careers  

• Salaries of Early Childhood Teachers by State

• How to Apply for an Early Childhood Course in Australia

An early childhood course is a program that teaches you how to support the learning and development of young children, usually from birth to around eight years old. 

It covers topics like child psychology, education techniques, health, and safety. 

After completing an early childhood course, you can work in places like childcare centers, kindergartens, and early learning programs.

In Australia, there are many types of early childhood courses to suit your career goals and educational level. You can choose from:

• TAFE Courses 

• Undergraduate Programs in Early Childhood Education

• Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

In the list below, we have combined Early Childhood Education course information based on common features offered by top universities and TAFE institutions across Australia. This overview is designed to give you a general idea of what to expect from different course levels.

However, every university and institution has unique entry requirements, course structures, and specialisations. 

If you would like specific, up-to-date advice tailored to your goals, our IDP education counsellors are here to help. 

We are trusted partners of leading Australian universities, so we can give you insider knowledge on course options, application processes, and career pathways that are best for your personal goals. 

Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education

Key Facts

These data vary by institution. 

• Duration: 1 year full-time

• Tuition: AUD 15,000 to AUD 35,000 per year

• Delivery Mode: In-person and online (self-paced options available)

Course Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a discipline other than early childhood. This one-year program provides a pathway to become a qualified early childhood teacher, preparing you to teach children from birth to five years old.

Who Is This For?

This course is ideal for:

• Graduates from other fields who want to transition into early childhood education

• Primary or secondary teachers seeking to expand into early childhood teaching

• Career changers passionate about working with young children

What Can I Do After Completing This Course?

Graduates can work in:

• Kindergartens

• Long day care centres

• Early learning centres

• Community and family support programs

• Some may also progress into leadership roles within early childhood settings

Why Take Up a Graduate Diploma?

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field, this one-year program allows you to fast-track your career in early childhood teaching. Early childhood education is in high demand right now, so with this diploma, you’ll have plenty of job opportunities and great job security.

Plus, unlike other programs, this course gives you the same qualifications as a four-year degree, so you can get started in your new teaching role without the extra years of study.

Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education

Key Facts

These data vary by institution.

Duration: 2 years

Tuition: 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year

The Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in any field and want to become qualified early childhood teachers.

This course focuses on building research-driven, modern teaching practices. You'll study contemporary ideas, practices, and policies while gaining hands-on experience in urban, rural, and even international settings

Who Is This For?

• Students who have completed a bachelor degree (in any discipline)

• Graduates with a background in education looking to specialise in early childhood teaching

• Career changers seeking a fast-tracked, professional pathway into early childhood education

What Can I Do After Completing This Course?
Graduates can work as:

• Early Childhood Teachers (birth to five years)

• Kindergarten Teachers

• Educational Leaders or Coordinators in early childhood settings

Pathways After the Master of Teaching
Completing this degree qualifies you for registration as an early childhood teacher in Australia. You can also pursue further study in educational leadership, research, or policy development.

What's the Difference Between a Graduate Diploma and a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education?

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is a shorter qualification while the Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education is a longer, more advanced qualification. Here are their key differences: 

Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education

• Duration: 1 year

• Designed for students who already have a degree in another field

• Focuses on essential teaching skills to quickly enter the early childhood sector

• Practical and career-focused

• Ideal for those wanting to start working sooner

Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education

• Duration: 2 years

• Also for students with a previous degree (in any discipline)

• Offers deeper training in research, leadership, and specialised education practices

• Focuses on advanced skills like trauma-informed care, diversity, and academic leadership

Ideal for those wanting a stronger academic foundation, and wants to pursue leadership roles or doctoral studies. 

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Key Facts 

These data vary by institution. 

• Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time 

• Tuition: Approx. AU$16,100 per semester

• Delivery Mode: In-person and online 
  

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education prepares you to become a qualified early childhood teacher, focusing on the development and well-being of children from birth to five years old.

Some universities also offer slightly different types of early childhood education degrees.

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Leadership: This program adds a fourth year focused on leadership skills, preparing you for management roles in early childhood settings.

• Bachelor of Education (Honours): This program includes an honours year and allows you to specialise in early childhood, primary, secondary education, or a mix. This path is ideal if you're interested in research or want a more advanced academic qualification.

Who Is This For?
This course is ideal for:

• High school graduates looking to start a career in early childhood education

What Can I Do After Completing This Course?
Graduates can work in:

• Public or private kindergartens

• Long day care centres

• Early learning centres across Australia

• Community programs and family services

• Government departments (policy and education roles)

Why Take Up a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education?

If you're looking for a hands-on, rewarding career helping young children learn and grow, a bachelor's degree in early childhood education is a great start.

You’ll graduate as a qualified teacher ready to work across Australia. Plus, with early childhood education in high demand, you’ll step into a career with plenty of job opportunities and room to grow.

Choosing a leadership or honours pathway can also open the door to higher-paid roles, management positions, or future postgraduate study.

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Key Facts 

These data vary by institution. 

• Duration: 9 months to 1 year full-time

• Tuition: Approx. AUD $7,870–$8,800 per semester

• Delivery Mode: In-person and blended options available

Course Overview

Certificate III is the minimum qualification you need to start working in early childhood education and care. This one-year full-time program is widely available across Australia. It teaches you the basics on how to work with young children in a childcare centre, allowing you to provide a high-quality education based on evidence-based practices, best practices for health and safety, and ethics when working with kids.  

You’ll also complete around 160 hours of practical placement to build real-world experience.

Who Is This For?

• Students who have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) and want to enter the workforce quickly

• Career changers without any formal qualifications in the sector who want to get started

What Can I Do After Completing This Course?

Graduates can work as:

• Early Childhood Educators

• Family Day Care Workers

• Childcare Assistants

Pathways After Certificate III

After finishing Certificate III, you can progress to the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, which can open doors to leadership roles and university-level study.

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Key Facts 

These data vary by institution. 

• Duration: 1 year full-time

• Tuition: AUD $11,200 per semester

• Delivery Mode: In-person and blended options available

Course Overview

Once you have the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, you can apply for this diploma. There are work-based placements for 15 weeks, and the end result is the knowledge to provide skilled care of social, physical, emotional and educational needs for children aged from birth until age five and also how to supervise staff.

This qualification also includes hands-on industry placement to strengthen your skills.

Who Is This For?

• Students who have completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

• Educators already working in the sector who want to move into supervisor or coordinator roles

• People aiming to transition into bachelor-level study in early childhood education

What Can I Do After Completing This Course?

Graduates can work as:

• Lead Educators

• Early Childhood Service Supervisors

• Childcare Centre Managers

Pathways After Certificate III

Graduates can enjoy guaranteed entry into a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at selected universities, giving you a clear path toward becoming a qualified early childhood teacher.

Find out how IDP can help you find your dream course in Australia. With in-depth knowledge of Australian learning institutions, visa processes, and what international students need, IDP experts can help you throughout your entire journey. Speak to an IDP counsellor who can help you get your education started.

Postgraduate Programs (Graduate Diploma and Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education)

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in any discipline

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in primary or secondary teaching (alternative pathway)

• IELTS overall score of 7.0 (no band less than 7.0) — with higher minimum scores for some universities:

• At least 7.5 overall, with 7.0 in Reading and Writing and 8.0 in Listening and Speaking 

Bachelor’s Degrees 

• Completion of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (e.g., VCE, HSC) with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent

• Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (alternative entry pathway)

• IELTS overall score of 7.0 (no band less than 6.5) or equivalent

• Some universities accept an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)

TAFE Courses

• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent

• Literacy and numeracy assessment

• Pre-Training Review (PTR)

• Participation in an interview to assess suitability for working with children (as required by ACECQA regulations)

• Minimum English level of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent

• Candidates without IELTS can complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy Indicator Test (for certain student visa holders)

Have you completed high school, vocational training, or do you have work experience? Certain universities can have differing requirements for each type of student.

Do you meet the requirements for direct entry to an early childhood education course? Or would you need pathway options?

Depending on your background, the criteria you'll have to meet will vary.

At IDP, we know every student’s journey is different.

No matter your starting point, we’ll help you find the right path to meet your goals and get into the course that’s right for you!

The demand for qualified early childhood educators is booming. The workforce is expected to double over the next 10 years. That means you won’t just be graduating with a degree, you’ll be stepping into a growing industry that provides job security and growth.

After completing an early childhood degree, you’ll be qualified to work as:

• Early Childhood Teacher in:

  • Kindergartens (public or private)

  • Long day care centres

  • Early childhood centres

• Educational Leader or Coordinator

• Early Years Program Adviser or Consultant

• Community-Based Roles in:

  • NGOs

  • Museums

  • Outdoor education programs

  • Arts and cultural institutions

• Policy, Research and Advocacy roles in government or private organisations

The median weekly earnings of early childhood teachers are $1,660.

Annual earnings of early childhood teachers by state

Sources: Victoria University, Jobs and Skills Australia

Are you now ready to apply for an early childhood education course in Australia? Here’s a step-by-step guide.

1. Choose the Right Course and Institution

Australia offers a range of early childhood education programs. Choose one that matches your background, goals, and the kind of work you want to do in the future.

Need help shortlisting courses or comparing institutions? IDP counsellors can guide you for free.

2. Check Entry Requirements

Requirements vary across institutions. These may depend on whether you’ve completed high school, vocational training, or already hold a degree. If you don’t qualify for direct entry, you may need to consider pathway programs.

We can check if you’re eligible and suggest options that match your academic background.

3. Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need transcripts, proof of English proficiency, your passport, and sometimes a personal statement

Not sure what documents you need? IDP will help you prepare and review them to ensure you get accepted to your dream university and program.

4. Submit Your Application

Submit your application directly or with the help of our IDP counsellors.

Applying through IDP simplifies the process, and you’ll avoid common mistakes that cause delays. We have helped thousands of international students like you in getting admitted to their dream universities, so you can feel confident knowing you're getting expert guidance every step of the way.

5. Receive Your Offer Letter and Accept

Once your offer is in, IDP can help you understand the conditions and deadlines.

6. Apply for a Visa

If you’re about to finish your current course, a smart next step could be applying for a 485 Temporary Graduate visa. This lets you stay in Australia to work and gain local experience. You can even study another course, like a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education—while holding this visa.

Here’s where it gets better: If you enrol in a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education through IDP, you’ll also get free 485 visa assistance. 

That means one smooth pathway to extend your stay, keep working, and start building toward permanent residency, all in one package.

Whether you’re exploring your course options, preparing to apply, or looking for a smart way to stay longer after graduation, we’re here to help.

At IDP, we’ll guide you through every step: choosing the right course, meeting the entry requirements, applying to top institutions, and even assisting with your 485 visa application.

Let’s make your goals a reality.

Book a free consultation with an IDP counsellor today and find the best-fit course and visa pathway for your future.

Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia, Department of Education, Victoria University, Deakin University, TAFE Queensland, Monash University, University of Melbourne